Woman's ashes stolen in break-in; man charged

Friday

Nov 22, 2013 at 2:18 PM

The Lexington Police Department has arrested a man in connection to missing ashes of a woman from a home in the city.

BY DARRICK IGNASIAKThe Dispatch

The Lexington Police Department has arrested a man in connection to missing ashes of a woman from a home in the city.A detective with the LPD has alleged 24-year-old Antonio Lamar Shaw of 26 E. 11th St. broke into the residence of Aiden King on Spring Drive and stole multiple items, including a box of King's mother's ashes. Shaw has been charged with felony breaking and entering and felony larceny after breaking and entering. He was given a $10,000 secured bond and a court date of Dec. 9.Capt. Billy Scarboro of the LPD said Friday a number of items, including the ashes, have not been recovered. An arrest warrant alleges Shaw stole items that included bullets, a television and computer. Scarboro said only a small lock box with King's personal papers have been recovered."We would really like to recover those (ashes) for the family," the captain said, adding that he couldn't recall an incident in which a person's ashes had ever been stolen in Lexington.The ashes were of Barbara Ann Payne, who died Aug. 26 of this past year at 55 years old after a battle with cancer. King's girlfriend, Melisia Prout, said her boyfriend arrived at his home Nov. 5 to find items, including the ashes, had been stolen. Prout and King continued to be in shock Friday that someone would steal ashes."It just sickened me," King said.Prout said it was clear that the box contained ashes. On the top of the box was a certificate of cremation, she said.Scarboro said detectives are looking at the possibility of a second person being involved. The captain encourages anyone with information to contact the LPD at 243-3302 or Lexington Area Crimestoppers at 243-2400.Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 217, or darrick.ignasiak@the-dispatch.com. Follow Darrick on Twitter: @DispatchDarrick.